COINNMr. Tetsuo Hashimoto
Senior Managing Director and Secretary General
Conference of Okayama International NGO Network (COINN)
TEL：+81-86-256-2535 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
1. 1st step for the establishment of the Asian Youth Future Project
(Activity of NPO Okayama International Association COINN)
The organization was established in 1991 and is a federation of 70 members, including international exchange, international understanding, international support, international cooperation, and international contribution organizations. Our mission is to cooperate with group members to solve worldwide issues. From the very beginning of our establishment, we have continued to run projects related to ESD (Education for Sustainable Development), held international conferences and supported developing countries. This was evaluated by the UNESCO-Paris headquarters, which is responsible for ESD, and had been asked to give an opinion on drafting an ESD draft from 2005.
The purpose of our organizational structure is to develop NGO activities and establish a network. Specifically, organizations with a track record of activities (more than 350 people from 35 countries from 1994 to the present) are invited to share relevant information and discuss issues. In particular, in order to develop and collaborate with organizations in Okayama Prefecture, we began to work on problem solving through discussions between group members and field workers, UNESCO headquarters staff, and leaders working overseas, for each theme.
Since 2005, workshop has been held to implement the government-proposed “UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD),” with government, enterprise, and education stakeholders with which aims to provide “Discussions have begun on incorporating ESD into lifelong education” to the elementary and secondary education, specialized education.
Starting in 2007, we discussed to use the KOMINKAN (community center) as a base to create a community utilizing ESD, examine the role and issues of KOMINKAN (community center) and CLCs (Community Learning Centers in developing countries). The Okayama Declaration had announced with reviewing the action plan and the role of KOMINKAN (community center) and CLC which plays in supporting the development of the region. Since then, the following procedures have been completed each year until we launched the “Asian Youth Future Project” in 2013.
2. Activities in each year leading up to the “Asian Youth Future Project”
(1) FY2007-2010
The following "Aims" and action plans for the roles of domestic and foreign NGOs and organizations promoting regional development inside and outside of the countries were determined. First, we examined community planning based on KOMINKAN (community centers), the roles and issues of KOMINKAN (community centers) and CLCs (Community Learning Centers in developing countries), and considered action plans for the roles of KOINKAN (community centers) and CLCs. At present, the local community is a keyword in UNESCO's GAP (Global Action Program). That is, the following study was conducted.
① Analysis of the current situation of the KOMINKAN(community center) in Okayama City, comparison with CLC
The directors and staffs examined the “strengths and weaknesses” of KOMINKAN (community center). Cooperation with specific groups and educational institutions, information dissemination, cooperation between KOMINKAN (community center) is sufficient, but we found issues such as institutionalization of cooperation with educational institutions and lifelong learning centers, change in administrative planning plans, emphasis on women and the elderly. The roles and efforts of the CLC in each country were reported, and the differences with the Japanese KOMINKAN (community center) were discussed.
② Improve and regenerate local power by utilizing ESD by KOMINKAN (community center) / CLCs / NGOs
The World Bank reported on successful case studies in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, and the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies provided an overview of "Decade of Education for Sustainable Development" and introduced practical examples. The report shared the image of successful cases and the role of higher education institutions.
"HOPE", which evaluates the practice of ESD (to provide learners with equal opportunities for learning and deepen their understanding through self-reflection) was introduced. Measures were taken to incorporate ESD perspectives into the curriculum of higher education institutions based on practical examples and to take the lead in the community.
③ Modelled that reflects ESD
Regarding KOMINKAN (community center) program reflecting the ESD, examples of activities using the building of the Kyoyama KOMINKAN, Kibi KOMINKAN and the network of KOMINKAN were reported. On the theme of international understanding education, we introduced case studies of Mabi KOMINKAN and Koki KOMINKAN. Participants deepened discussions on the role of KOMINKAN in the region and the growth of rolls of KOMINKAN.
④Okayama Declaration on the role of Kominkan and Community Learning Center (CLC) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Community Development
a) Prepared by
Hosted by Okayama University and Conference of Okayama International NGO Network (COINN), the conference was held from October 27 to November 3 with co-sponsored organizations such as the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Office and the UNESCO Asian Cultural Center (ACCU) in Bangladesh. Experts from governments, NGOs and educational and research institutions from Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam participated.
b) Role of KOMINKAN
KOMINKAN / CLCs are rooted in the community, with the role of providing local lifelong learning opportunities for all to participate in response to diverse community-building needs, with community members participating as their own. Have. The Community Center / CLC is expected to function as a base for information and learning in the community by promoting group activities for community development, and to transform people's behavior toward a sustainable future. On the other hand, KOMINKAN / CLC also has the role of strengthening the ties between local residents, KOMINKAN and stakeholders.
c) Function of KOMINKAN for ESD
Stakeholders on sustainable development can turn ESD into a living philosophy to support and promote the growing role of KOMINKAN / CLC. Government agencies can formulate policies and invest the necessary resources, and NGOs and civil society can act as catalysts in the region. Academic and educational institutions can support KOMINKAN/ CLC through research, but can gain learning opportunities by participating in activities. The private sector (company) can also provide professional skills, human resources and resources as social contribution activities. It is imperative that all KOMINKAN / CLC stakeholders raise their awareness and become more capable
d) To demonstrate the functions of a public hall
At all levels, there is a need to enhance collaboration and ties between stakeholders. There is a need to build international, national, county and district levels of the KOMINKAN / CLC Federation and the sister KOMINKAN / CLC movement. It is thought that such a connection will promote cooperation and sharing of common themes, leading to sustainable development and world peace.
(2) Implementation items in FY2008
Theme: NGO & Community Center / CLC Summit 2008-Area, Food, ESD-
(3) Implementation items in FY2009
Theme: Aiming to improve and revitalize local power by utilizing ESD by KOMINKAN / CLC / NGOs
(4) Implementation items in FY2011(improvement of CLC operation in developing countries)
Held a short-term exchange program with CLC staff from Bangladesh, Nepal. Discussed the policy, operation and system of CLC and KOMINKAN activities. From this year, a case study to raise awareness of ESD among local residents in Japan and overseas has been implemented as the following "Aim".
[Purpose]: Invite CLC staff from Nepal and Bangladesh to conduct a short-term exchange program in Okayama. Staff from each country will discuss the policies, operations and systems of CLC and community center activities, and improve the next initiatives in each country.
Report from Nepal and Bangladesh as overseas cases
In Nepal, it was explained that opportunities for citizens to use the CLC were created, which contributed to poverty reduction and health promotion. It has introduced a savings and loan program for women. In Bangladesh, the ultimate goal is to rescue the vulnerable and provide services based on education, medical care, livelihood and human rights. Conducted literacy education, promotion of entrepreneurship, and water sanitation education.
Both countries pointed out issues such as lack of networks with governments and local communities, lack of facilities and staff, and the fact that citizens did not fully understand the need for educational activities.
② Short-term exchange programs at the Koki KOMINKAN and Mabi KOMINKAN
Accepted CLC staff at Koki KOMINKANK, toured lectures, participated in Japanese language classes, Kominkan Steering Committee, community cleanup activities, and programs for the elderly. Although there are differences in lifestyle, management funds, etc., the issues of improving women's rights and bias of users are common. During the exchange, the staff learned how to connect the local people by themselves, such as the organization of the staff and the involvement of those who are already leaders in local activities. The Mabi KOMINKAN accepts Nepalese CLC staff, conducts intercultural understanding courses, tours programs such as Taisho Koto, handicrafts, and painting classes, and participates in making chips from bamboo using local bamboo resources and udon. Although they tend to pay close attention to the economy, the staff learn the necessity of creating a program that meets the needs of the local people and providing an educational perspective.
③ Consideration for solving issues in each country at the workshop
Discussions were held in three countries including Nepal, Bangladesh and Japan on information dissemination involving local human resources, utilization of external resources, staff training programs, staff coordination skills, and how to set guidelines for business programs at the CLC.
3. Launch of “Asian Youth Future Project” (since 2012)
Study the operation method to improve and revitalize the community centered on CLC / Community Center, create a sustainable program from the viewpoint of ESD, and start the business transfer of the know-how of the operation of the Community Center to developing countries from the next fiscal year onwards Equipped.
Implementation items
We examine management methods for improving and revitalizing the community centered on CLC / KOMINKAN, create a sustainable program from an ESD perspective, and prepare for the start of project in the next fiscal year and beyond. Prepare for World Bank application.
② Human resource development of CLC / KOMINKAN
Despite facilities, lack of leadership skills is an issue. Proposal of the “Asia-Pacific CLC Network” project to enhance problem-solving skills, increase the capacity of CLCs / KOMINKAN, and improve the sustainability of activities. The project also aims to form a network of leaders from each country.
③ Social business
Proposal of “Agro Farm” project aimed at supporting self-employment of young people. Launch a farm and implement a one-year program to increase employment, increase income, and develop human resources. There are issues such as securing optimal farmland, leaders in agricultural technology, selection of profitable crops, and the effects of natural disasters. There are existing programs by NGOs, etc., except that CLC takes the lead as the leader.
④ Youth participation in community activities
In urban areas, it is necessary to create an environment and structure where people can gather by using the Internet etc. to make information available through the CLC / KOMINKAN as a place for community formation so that people can engage in face-to-face activities. In rural areas, it is difficult to start activities due to lack of self-time and financial shortage. The first step is to create opportunities for participation and to convey the benefits and enjoyment. One of the proposals is to implement the “Asia Recycling Fair”. The event will be held as an event, such as art production and display using nearby unused materials, and performances on the stage, with the aim of making it easy for young people to participate.
4. Asian Youth Announces “Asian Youth Future Project”
Asian countries (Bangladesh, Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia and
Thailand) held a youth assertion dissertation conference and workshop.
Determine representatives of each country and send them to Okayama to discuss future Asian youth response and start Okayama Declaration "Asian Youth Future Project" declared.
OKAYAMA DECLARATION IN 2014 ASIAN YOUTH FUTURE PROJECT
We all the participant members of Asian Youth Future Project Summary Conference in Okayama
Realizing continuous efforts which have been made since 2007 by numbers of community
based organizations and their partners in Asia-Pacific countries, for the purpose of
strengthening international cooperation with Community Learning Centers (CLCs) and
Kominkan on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) promoted in the framework of
United Nations Decade of ESD (UN-DESD) led by UNESCO,
Confirming Asian Youth Future Project summary conference in Okayama, held from
25th January to 30th January 2014 organized by Conference of Okayama International NGO Network (COINN), we have discussed an importance and innovative ideas of implementing ESD perspectives into each CLCs/Kominkan's activities and principles, together with selected delegate youths from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand and Japan,
Emphasizing we have produced three project proposals through fruitful discussions as
an outcome of the conference:
- Project on human resource: the participant members will create an international network
aiming for providing equal opportunities and increasing high skill CLCs/Kominkan
members within Asia-Pacific region,
- Project on social business: A Nepali CLC will initiate a sustainable Agro-Farm within 3 years
in order to engage young people for self-employment in the community,
- Project on youth's participation: NGOs and Governments in Asia-Pacific countries will plan
Asia Recycling Fairs and Exhibitions to increase young generations' awareness to
environmental issues and sustainable community development;
Noting we have reached a consensus to continue sharing our knowledges and
experiences beyond the borders to overcome our challenges when the projects may face
difficulties, since we have similar issues and common goals in terms of sustainable community
development,
1. Declares a creation of international friendly network in Asia-Pacific region to promote an
Idea of ESD, to share our experiences effectively and to encourage each effort;
2. Promises each participant youths continue to make a commitment of our work and apply
the new lessons we have learnt from this conference when we go back to our own places;
3. Proposes an establishment of Asia Pacific Centre of CLCs/Kominkan to support its network
and activities at “Kominkan-CLC International Conference on ESD” in 2014.
30 January, 2014
Okayama City, Japan
5. Projects in which Asian youth participate in the development of rural settlements and CLC: FY2014-FY2018
(1) Outline
① Implementation content [Aim]
From planning proposals up to the previous year, in Nepal, with the theme of improving and regenerating regional power through CLC, modeling social business, revitalizing the region to promote youth local settlement, working on improving agricultural productivity and entrepreneurship has decided. Under the title of "Asian Youth Future Project", discuss the development of human resources and organization.
Modeling works of social business in Nepal
There are about 2,000 CLCs in Nepal. There are many issues such a lack of coordination with government agencies, staff training and status improvement, natural and economic. It is necessary for individual CLCs to take the initiative in encouraging the community. Incorporating social business will promote the mobilization and activation of the youth generation, and will support the empowerment of young people. There is an urgent need to increase the number of successful self-profitable social businesses in the future, unlike donations, to mitigate the movement of the young generation to neighboring countries or urban areas.
Report of the Nepal Youth Agricultural Workshop and future development
Taking into consideration local lifestyle and natural environment, we introduced sweet potato cultivation on a trial basis. Began providing guidance based on the CLC as to the spontaneity of decision making on agricultural products, knowledge of agricultural technology, and production of processed foods. 20 Nepal CLC staff members participated. Japanese staff who arrived reported that they needed guidance and cooperation such as soil improvement, fertilizer knowledge, house restoration after the earthquake, and raising livestock (pigs, goats, chickens).
As future initiatives, we plan to cultivate and utilize sweet potatoes (preservation methods, seedling creation, secondary use of vines and leaves, processed foods, etc.), and raise livestock mainly from pigs and goats (meat processing, fertilizer, etc.). With the ultimate goal of improving local revenues over the long term and enabling local staff to manage the overall operations, CLC will continue to provide support at the base. We also cooperate in human resource development and coordination, such as training CLC leaders, inviting agricultural technology leaders, and creating a place to practice those who have studied abroad.
(2) Summary of each year
①Project in FY2014
Theme: Social Business Modeling and KOMINKAN-CLC Revitalization and Improvement of Regional Strength
"The 3rd Asian Youth Future Project"
"Modeling of social business based on ESD ideas and improving / regenerating regional power through CLC"
Kathmandu: January 30, 2015 (Fri), Okayama: February 28 (Sat), Kurashiki: March 1, 2015 (Sun)
②Project in FY2015
Theme: CLC Regional Revitalization to Promote Youth Regional Settlement (Nepal) CLC Regional Revitalization to Promote Youth Regional Settlement (Nepal)-Improving Agricultural Productivity and Entrepreneurship-Nepal Agriculture Youth Workshop
③Project in FY2016
Theme: CLC Community Revitalization to Promote Youth Settlement (Nepal) -Improvement of Agricultural Productivity and Entrepreneurship-
Project in FY2017
Theme: [Asian Youth Future Project-Promotion of Youth's Regional Settlement (CLC Area Revitalization)] Nepalese Agriculture
"Social Map, Resource Map, Travel Map, Service and Opportunity Map" of Resident Villages by the youth live in the villages
Model work creation
a) On-site surveys of Nepalese rural villages and the study of sustainable projects.
[Purpose]: Continue efforts up to the previous year, investigate the actual living conditions and rural cooperative systems in rural Nepal, and consider measures to promote future living improvements.
b) Creation of model map
About 100-500 households, mainly young people in rural areas who participated in 2015-16. Investigate the village that will be formed and create four types of maps. “Social map” to grasp the installation status of social infrastructure, “Resource map” for topography, soil, water area, etc., “Moving map” for knowing the range of people's movements and exchanges, Conduct a survey to create a “Service and Opportunity Map” that grasps the status of private service enjoyment.
Project in FY 2018
Theme: Asian Youth Future Project-Promotion of Youth's Regional Settlement
From the CLCs established by UNESCO (2,500 locations in Nepal), select 10 locations (western, eastern, midway, near the capital) and recruit youngsters who want to participate from each CLC. A representative of "Okayama Regional Revitalization Cooperation Volunteer Network Conference" representative (Mr. Yuya Fujii) will be dispatched to the area to convey the basics of the method of "Regional Revitalization" and propose a model regional revitalization. The proposal will introduce the development process of Japanese KOMINKAN-CLC over the past 70 years (depending on local requests).
Note: CLC (Community Learning Center = equivalent to KOMINKAN)
Specifically, participants were trained as facilitators and coordinators to obtain the following results.
Show local residents (youth) the possibility of measures and construction to move the area.
Show that local resources can be used effectively by "wisdom".
Experience the feasibility of cooperation with the local community.
Review local resources (tourism, agricultural industry, etc.) by developing businesses that combine external and local forces
6. Future Policy
(1) Current issues
The “Asian Youth Future Project” has taken the following steps specifically.
We surveyed the actual conditions of agriculture to find out about the local villages.
(Local Youth and Lifestyle)
a) Do you want to develop the ability to improve agricultural production?
b) If there is value in productivity or production, do you intend to do it yourself?
c) Is there a business sense?
② Survey on how local youth can live sustainably locally
a) Youth participation in community activities
b) How young people know the area
c) How far young people can conduct community surveys
i) What kind of environment do you grow up in?
ii) What resources (including youth hopes) are in their area?
iii) Can wisdom can improve our lives?
③ Improve how local young people empower
a) Why are abilities (facilitator abilities, coordinator abilities) necessary?
b) How can the above be applied to improve villages in their area?
2) Future policy
Confirm the ability to summarize the region and appeal to the relevant parties and establish a qualification system
What kind of preparations should we make for local social development and regional development? Launch a “Study Group” at CLC representative bases in each state (lay the ground work by COINN).
The outline of “Social Development Study Group” is prepared by the representative staff of CLC in each state.
a) Preparation period for launch April 2020-March 2021
b) Executive committee members (Okayama experts, central government officials, WB officials, local government officials, local experts, CLC staff, UNESCO staff, etc.)
④ Create a financial plan at COINN (WB, ADB, ODA, other foundations)
The subject ends herewith